Some aspects of web development give people something to talk about. In this context, hosting and building websites with Webflow has become a highlight. This tool allows intuitive and visual development. In the short term, there is little to no need to write code.
With Webflow, it's possible to create pages and content and connect to a CMS. Besides, publishing all settings on the server is one click away. Yet, some may say the platform doesn't have any unique utility. This article will show the fundamental aspects of this creation tool and its pros and cons. We will not leave aside its forms of use, relevance, and security and analyze if it's the web dev’s future.
What is Webflow?
An American Company, Webflow's strength lies in software for developing, designing, and hosting web spaces. Moreover, it's a SaaS application that creates responsive websites. The platform takes care of generating the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript elements. The platform launched in 2013 by the hand of Vlad Magdalin. Further, Magdaling is the founder of ventures like Intuit Brainstorm and Vungle Inc. Among Webflow's investors, there are Tim Draper and Khosla Ventures. A few years later, in 2019, it raised $72 million in a round led by Accel. Also, it raised $140 million in 2021.
What is WebFlow used for?
There is currently a long list of companies worldwide that use this tool to bring their web spaces to life. The most prominent companies include UXStudio, Scribly, Clout Collective, Failory, and Klokki. After knowing the companies that use this tool, it's worth asking: what is WebFlow used for? The site aims at designers, and web developers, primarily front-end and digital marketers. Further, it allows finishing projects on the spot without sacrificing quality.
If it is a startup in its initial stage, it may be a good option, but for a short time and due to its limitations. This tool is for you if it's a small project with 1 or 2 people taking care of it. In a nutshell, it is a viable option to start shaping a project. But, for ambitious projects, it may not be a long-term option.
How does Webflow Website Hosting Work?
Webflow Website Hosting works with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Besides working with AWS, all pages include a CDN. This infrastructure enables the delivery of content in a matter of milliseconds. The platform has easy-to-manage hosting, and you don't need to worry about updates. This avoids mistakes and saves time.
Yes, the hosting plans offered by the platform are more expensive than those of WordPress. But, considering that it is a complete tool, it may be worth it. As for hosting security, Webflow encrypts data between the platform's servers and the website. This hosting includes an SSL certificate. Due to this, websites are, in general, safe and reliable.
While there is a free version of WebFlow, does it contain all development tools? WebFlow has a free version where you can learn everything you need to develop small projects. Everything changes when projects need complete development processes. In that case, fixed fees and prices range from $12 to $45.
Why use Webflow?
WebFlow is a no-code platform. It allows the creation of websites from the browser with a high level of interactivity. Further, it combines hosting, web design, web development, Content Management System, and eCommerce. For this, it relies on a drag-and-drop building. All sites within Webflow are hosted on Fastly with the Amazon Cloudfront CDN. Neither of these needs external plugins. In sum, Webflow presents itself as a complete solution. Yet, although it is intuitive, it also has its steep learning curve. Due to this process, it can be more complex to use than similar platforms like Wix or Squarespace.
Webflow Content Management System (CMS)
Webflow development tool has its own Content Management System. This tool has an administration platform to control the content. Other hosting platforms with CMS include WordPress, Magento, and Drupal.
The platform has two primary workspaces. First is the Designer, in which devs can perform visual changes. In this space, the content structure takes place. Later, managers can handle the content and its changes in the Edition area. Here, admins fill in the required field with the needed information.
It's necessary to add a field to each collection within the CMS. These fields include titles, excerpts, authors, and content. Admins can determine which one of these is mandatory.
Webflow vs WordPress
Webflow vs. WordPress is one of the most interactive disputes in web development. WebFlow's main difference is its unique visual management tool. Also, using PHP, data, plugins, and other extra add-ons is unnecessary. WebFlow can import collections via a CSV file. Additionally, you can insert, change, and delete items via the API. The following table explains the difference and usefulness between the two.
Conclusion
Currently, web development offers endless tools to provide customized solutions for outstanding results. It's no secret how popular WebFlow has become, considering it's valued at over $2.1 billion. In short, this tool is ideal for conceiving prototypes with high fidelity. The platform simplifies the transition from a prototype with a wholly featured UI. Wasting time is not a disadvantage with this tool. All the functions are in a single platform to design and bring the final prototype to the public light. To all these, do you think that WebFlow is the tool of the future?
